SCULLING MATCH—RUSH V. LAYCOCK.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2564, 9 June 1881, Page 2

SCULLING MATCH—RUSH V. LAYCOCK.

(“ Sydney News.”)

No less than 5000 people were present to view what may be termed the most successful regatta ever held in Grafton, The weather was everything that could be desired; the water smooth, with barely a ripple on it. The river steamers were all crowded to their utmost capacity. Laycock’s win in the outrigger race was very unpopular in consequence of some expressions of his, and not a solitary cheer was given for him. Yery little notice was taken of the first two races. All interest was seemingly centred in the outrigger race for which Laycock was a decided favorite. Mr Mansfield, the starter, without any difficulty dispatched the three boats to a beautiful start, Laycock catching the water a trifle in advance of Rush, who soon was on terms with him, . Messenger from the first, judging from appearance had not any chance of winning and ho therefore lagged behind. Those two giants, after going some little distance at a fair pace, put on the steam, Rush slightly leading. When Car's Creek was reached Rush was still leading and Laycock here put on a spurt, and got on even terms keeping the position .until coming abreast of the point of Susan Island when he commenced to gain. Tho race, so far, was equal, and looked a trial of skill and strength. At Kinear’s Laycock managed to get in front by half a length. Rush, however, spurting vigorously again got on terms with his opponent. The cries here were “ Rush wins !” Kush was then loading by about a length. A fine race ensued, until reaching Nipper and See’s wharf, when Laycock came with a dash and nearly collared his opponent, who fell back a trifle, and although he tried his best could not get clear of Laycock’s wash. At the Company’s Wharf Laycock was leading by about a length, and from this to the flag ship a grand race ensued resulting in Laycock passing the judge half a length in advance of the plucky Rush. No enthusiastic cheers greeted the winner; on tho contrary there seemed to be a dead silence. Kush took his heating in the same manner as he generally takes his wins, quietly. Laycook, the moment tho gun was fired, dropped his sculls, and hung his head on his arms, as if exhausted, but perhaps it was a little foxing. He was not distressed in any way.

"PW Ihn Aon 111 a , t.n.,11.. T.o jrpocJf flnd Messenger aid not start. Several committeemen asked Laycock to start but he deliberately refused, with embellishments the reverse of polite. Rush and M'Mahon and the Brothers Macdonald, however, came to the post, and pulled a good race. The Macdonalds were first favorites, and did not disappoint their admirers, but won by two lengths with something in band.